Fort Ticonderoga

Ticonderoga, NY

Introduction

This is one of the forgotten places in American History. Few know what the current name means. Few also know of the importance the place played in the Seven Years’ War (the French and Indian War in North America), and in the American Revolution. Such an obscure location found itself as a focal point in two global conflicts.

Name Origin

Although there is no written record of the indigenous people of the region engaging in warfare, there is evidence of pre-European habitation at the site. In the Iroquois language, “Ticonderoga” means the meeting of two rivers.

The French and Indian War

The fort was originally built by the French in the early 18th Century. It was defense against the Iroquois Nation and the ever encroaching British Empire. French defenders, numbering 4,000 were able to repel a British Army of 16,000. Following the cessation of hostilities in 1763, however, the fort along with Quebec, was ceded to the victorious British.

The French Army under Montcalm defeated the British Army, at what was named Ft. Chatillon, in 1758 (Britishbattles.com)

The American Revolution

During the American Revolution, Massachusetts commissioned Benedict Arnold of Connecticut to capture Ft. Ticonderoga. He had become familiar with it during his time as a trader. The rifles, cannon, and strategic location of the fort were much coveted by the rebels.

The assault was successful; 200 canon were taken. 59 of them were transported to Washington’s command where they played a pivotal role in the Siege of Boston. By visiting numerous Revolutionary War battlefields, one comes to realize the important role that the traitor played in the eventual American victory.

Benedict Arnold commanded the first offensive victory of the American revolution. His capture of Ft. Ticonderoga provided Washington with the necessary cannon to drive the British from Boston (American Battlefield Trust)

Arnold’s successful raid on Ticonderoga provided Washington with the guns he needed to drive the British from Boston. Without them, the British may have been able to maintain their presence in Massachusetts (Shepherd)

Conclusion

“All empires crumble. There are no exceptions.”

-Dorian Grey

Without the cannon captured from Ft. Ticonderoga, it is questionable if Washington would have had enough fire power to force the British forces under General Gage to abandon Boston. Assaults on American positions, such as Dorchester Heights would also have been less suicidal.

Works Cited

Shepherd, Joshua. Patriot Raid on Ft. Ticonderoga. https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/article/patriot-raid-on-fort-ticonderoga/